The Great Hunt

Gr 9 Up—The peaceful land of Lochlanach is being terrorized by an unstoppable bloodthirsty beast. When the king's army is unsuccessful in ridding the land of this monster, the king is forced to seek help from the other four kingdoms of Eurona. Rumors of the beast's unnatural strength and impenetrable hide have people running for their lives. King Lochson sees no alternative but to offer his most prized possession as a worthy reward for slaying the beast—his eldest daughter's hand in marriage. As fighters from all over the kingdoms arrive, Princess Aerity accepts her fate and is willing to sacrifice her happiness for her people and her kingdom. However, a young warrior named Paxton Seabolt catches the princess's attention. An extremely skilled hunter, Paxton and his younger brother join the hunt not for glory but for the monetary reward to support their family. While his honor and integrity are apparent, he is cold and distant, trusting no one. Paxton harbors a secret that forces him to push everyone away, including Aerity. Higgins weaves a powerful tale that includes magic, mystery, suspense, sacrifice, and love. The action-packed plot is driven by the diverse and complex characters, whose perspectives allow readers to understand what is truly at stake. Inspired by the Grimm Brothers' tale "The Singing Bone," this captivating and intriguing read leaves fans on the edge as something dark and sinister is looming on the horizon.